OREANDA-NEWS. On 17 June 2009 was announced, that Uralkali (Berezniki, Perm Territory), had granted certificates for individual scholarships and awards to the best students at the Perm State Technical University (PSTU) and its Berezniki Branch (PSTU BB). Based on the results of the first semester of the 2008-2009 academic year, 13 PSTU and PSTU BB students were awarded individuals scholarships by Uralkali. The Company also gave awards to three winners of the Upper Kama Potassium contest for scientific research projects.

For three consecutive years, under the Cooperation Agreement signed with PSTU and PSTU BB, Uralkali has awarded scholarships to the most successful and talented students. In this period, 78 four- and five-year students at the Mining and Oil Faculty and the Chemical-Engineering Faculty became Uralkali Scholarship awardees for their outstanding academic and research achievements. Students eligible for the Uralkali Scholarship are those with high academic and research achievements in the professional areas needed for the Company, successful trainees, and students showing dedication to their future occupation. Individual scholarships are provided during one semester. From 2008, the Scholarship is 1,500 rubles a month.

Implementing the Cooperation Agreement, Uralkali summarized the results of the Upper Kama Potassium scientific research contest established by the Company in 2006 for PSTU BB undergraduates. The Upper Kama Potassium Award (10 thousand rubles) is granted to authors of the best graduation projects that hold practical importance for potash fertilizer production. Based on 2008-2009 results, the Award went to 3 projects out of 17. During the three years that the Contest has been running, a total of 11 undergraduates have received awards.

During 2006-2008, within the scope of its cooperation with PSTU and PSTU BB, Uralkali provided them with more than 25 million rubles. This money was used to renovate and refurbish PSTU's and PSTU BB's lecture halls and laboratories, improve their material and technical bases, publish teaching and methodological materials, and provide individual scholarships and grants. In 2009,despite the economic challenges faced by the sector, the Company plans to continue with the implementation of its program for cooperation with these higher education institutions.